Chapter 26 - Finally Married
Christmas in space passed relatively without incident, even though everyone was constantly braced to deal with another near miss for James. No one had any illusions about Hell honoring Christmas.
There was one blip after Christmas, but Corsair wasn't going anywhere without the devices he'd used before, and thankfully, it didn't last long.
Well, it didn't last long for the people on Earth, anyway.
James had gone to Hell that time, and it had felt like a very long while, though he didn't tell anyone. The fact that he'd gone that way and not toward Heaven again was good for Strange, Wanda, and Billy to map. The trade off though, was that James seemed to be more confused about who was there with him after every incident and he would often answer someone only he could see or hear.
It wasn't exactly the best way for James to end the session with the magic makers, but at the very least, Billy let him know that they were ready to finish the spell once they landed on Earth and had easier access to the rest of Strange's things, so… they just had to hang tight.
There was always the option for Wanda to wish them back home, but if this didn't go well… everyone wanted to be there if they needed to say goodbye.
On the complete opposite end of things, Annie had been ramping up the wedding planning. Scott was sure she was going to crash any second after the mission or after going to space and then Christmas, but she kept right on planning.
The only thing they were waiting for was confirmation that James was rid of the tether to Hell. Once that was resolved, there would be a wedding. Annie wouldn't hear any other option. And she was actively ignoring any hint of a suggestion that they should prepare for if it didn't end well.
It was an odd holiday all around, really. And the feeling lingered for a few days, the usual post-holidays malaise made worse as everyone was just… waiting. Watching. Holding their breaths.
As soon as they touched down, Wanda wished everyone involved in the ritual to Strange's sanctum… but that left everyone else behind to wait and hope it went well.
And the Summers family didn't exactly do well waiting.
Unfortunately, there was actually something for them to do. And Annie knew as soon as they landed, because she reached out to touch Scott's arm. The person who reached out with a psychic SOS before is saying hello again.
Really?
Yeah. He sounds much more coherent this time.
That's something. Scott sighed and dragged a hand down his face, but he did actually want to talk to Wade, if for no other reason than the guy had nearly died and deserved some goodwill… and Scott wanted to know what had happened so he could try to prevent future catastrophes.
So, off he went, his phone on full volume so that he would know the second the spell was complete.
For as much as he and Wade sometimes clashed, Scott still couldn't stop his shoulders from dropping when he saw his old teammate in the hospital bed. That more than anything else told him how badly Wade had been hurt. He'd never stayed down like that before.
But still, when he saw Scott, Wade broke into a smile. "Hey! It's my favorite first X-Man!" he said, though his voice didn't have the usual oomph.
Scott shook his head as he stepped the rest of the way into the room. "Nice modifiers."
"Very descriptive, right?"
Scott shook his head with a smile in spite of himself, though that died away immediately, considering what was going on in the city. "How did this happen?" he asked, gesturing to Wade.
"What, this? Me?" Wade looked down at himself took a deep breath and let it out for way too long. "Well, when a mommy and daddy love each other very-"
"Wade," Scott said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Right, right. You're right. It's not always a mommy and a daddy, or even people in love at all. Certainly wasn't the case with my parents. Sometimes it's a turkey baster situation with two mommies, or a drug fueled party with anonymous mostly consenting participants so jacked up on E that they don't know what they're doing or with who. I shouldn't generalize."
"Wade." Scott sighed and dropped into a seat next to him. "I meant - how did you get caught? Last I saw you, you were talking with Peter and May."
Wade gestured broadly with both hands. "Sooooo, as it turns out, I might have maybe gone home with more than bullets under my skin. Didn't realize it until after it pushed itself out, and the next thing I know - bam! I'm definitely not getting the deposit back on that rental."
"We didn't know," Scott started to say, but Wade was already waving him off.
"Nah, it's okay. I got rescued by Annie Hale. Do you know how cool that is? I get to be in a universe where she's an X-Man!"
Scott smiled again, once more against his will. "She's worried about you."
"Whaaat? She's worried about me? When she's got the constant level of Summers brand drama to deal with? Is she going for a Nobel prize or something? No. That's just … that's silly is what that is. Tell her - tell her to worry about her banana pudding or whatever other Southern whatnot all the kids are into these days."
"She'll probably be down with banana bread in a second," he said, his smile more genuine when talking about Annie.
That's right I'll be there.
"Oh good. When I can check in with the rest of the family? Been a while since I got to see those crazy kids bein' all wild and free."
Scott could feel a muscle work in his jaw. "It's a work in progress," he admitted. "If you're feeling up to it, we may just be fighting the forces of Hell soon." He let out a tired-sounding laugh. "It's always something isn't it."
"They seem to draw out the extremes in people."
"Yeah." Scott leaned back and drew a hand down his face. "The department killed him, Wade. Tore his mind from his body. Billy wished him back, but it's … tenuous. Still."
"What does that even mean?"
"It means Billy tried soul magic and can't bring James back without pulling something from Hell is what it means," Scott said, gesturing sharply with one hand.
"Okay. That's not exactly ideal."
"No kidding."
"So… what kind of evil beastie are we looking at? Spirit? Demon? Sabretooth?"
"God, it better not be Sabretooth," Scott said, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Come on that had to have crossed your mind."
"I was thinking more about devils and demons than the denizens," Scott admitted.
"Speaking as someone who was kinda sorta married to a creature from hell once - it's not exactly off the menu if whatever it is means to screw with the kid."
"Whatever it is, it's strong enough to hang on with Wanda and the Sorcerer Supreme stepping in, so we're looking at a big fight, I'm sure."
Wade swore under his breath. "Don't worry, Frodo. I'll back him up with my swords and guns and things that go boom once I get back to my place and restock."
"You up to it?" Scott asked, gesturing at the hospital bed.
"Oh sure. Just need a few chimichangas and a minute to reset."
Some banana bread wouldn't hurt, Annie projected to both of them, no longer hiding that she was eavesdropping.
"Hurt, no," wade said. "But some of us gotta look good in a skin tight red suit that leaves nothing to the imagination, you freckle faced little eavesdropper."
"I told you she was worried about you," Scott said.
"Sounds like she's trying to get rid of some baked goods to me."
"It's her love language. And you, believe it or not, were her first real rescue."
"Awww, firsties."
Scott shook his head. "Seriously, Wade - what can you tell me about what happened with the department? I can't do anything about the magic spell, but if you've got any leads for me - I'm not naive enough to think wrecking that auction means we crushed them out of existence for longer than a decade at most."
"Showing is always easier than telling. I'll get you into my computer. Just stay in the files I give you."
"Believe me; I know better than to go beyond that."
"I knew you were a quick study."
Meanwhile, Billy had finished setting everything up with Wanda and Doctor Strange, and he was currently in the stage of anxiety that meant he was double-checking everything he'd already double-checked. There were plenty of sorcerers at the ready to deal with whatever came through, not to mention plenty of other heroes monitoring for any problems. He had a lot of good backup, and he knew it. Whatever he pulled through by finishing his spell would be toast as soon as it showed its face. That was the plan, anyway. And really, between Thor and Steve waiting in the wings, Kate and Clint with holy water-dipped arrows, Nate looking to drop psychic bombs, and Tommy there for moral support… they were convinced this was going to work. Even if James wasn't so sure.
Everything was set up; the only thing he had to do was accept the consequence and finish the spell. Wanda and Strange had done everything else.
Billy just had to want it.
"What do you think, little brother?" James said to Nate as the two of them stayed back until the magic makers needed James. "Kinda has that sacrificial feel to it."
"Little bit," Nate agreed. He looked toward Billy and then switched to project. Dad's a little freaked. Deadpool pointed out it could be something non-fiendish like, you know, Sabretooth trying to come through.
How is that non fiendish?
Good point. I'm just saying the holy water and magic spells wouldn't work if that's what it is. So I'm preparing a psychic bomb for a mortal mind just in case.
James shifted his focus for a moment, beyond his brother. I think if I go by the extended family, that is just a Deadpool thought. But I've got pointers waiting from my parents if that's the case. Not encouraging when the sage advice is 'whatever it is- take its head off.'
They're not wrong. I mean, futzing Tyler offered to help with this fight; whatever it is, it's worth killing.
Still. Tyler isn't up to it. He's still fighting back a panic attack.
Yeah, Betsy said as much. But the fact that he even offered kinda speaks to the level of evil, ya know?
Tommy has a different take, James tried to joke.
Tommy's touched.
Yeah. James crossed his arms. So- if this backfires, or something happens…
If something happens, I'll keep Dad alive.
Thank you.
Nate nodded but didn't say anything else, especially because it looked like Billy was ready for them.
"Okay. Watch out for big smelly blondes. They all seem to want to be close to you, little brother."
"I'm irresistible that way," Nate said without missing a beat as Billy rolled his eyes and grabbed James by the hand.
"Okay, this isn't going to be flashy or anything, but… tell me if you feel any different, okay?"
"Don't believe it."
"He's right, Billy. Nothing you do is anything less than a ten on the drama scale," Tommy said dryly.
"Yeah, yeah," Billy said, rolling his eyes again before he turned toward James and took his other hand, so that they were holding both hands between them. "Okay," he said softly, closing his eyes - and apparently not noticing the way the wind picked up around them both or the fact that their hands were glowing where they were touching.
Wanda and Doctor Strange were both working out their own additions to Billy's spell - a protective barrier and what they hoped would act as a trap - but that only added to the lights and strange aura about the place.
James had his eyes closed and his teeth gritted; those that knew him could see he was trying for Billy's sake not to show that he was hurting. But that didn't hide the pace of his breathing or the fact that he was shaking as they floated off the ground.
And then, all at once, everything stopped. Billy and James dropped to the ground - which was Billy's first indicator that they'd been floating. And it was strangely, worryingly quiet.
Billy looked around, but as soon as he tried to take a step forward, he swayed and had to hang onto James' shoulder to right himself. He swallowed and tried again. "It worked. I felt it work. Where's - where's the fight?"
"That's what I'd like to know," Strange said, frowning and already coming to examine the two of them.
Any word from the other side? Nate projected to James, figuring that was the best indication.
Half of it, James replied. But not as clear as before. Let's see if he can catch it.
Might just be a lingering effect.
I don't mind the ones I can hear right now, James admitted.
Well, that's an improvement, anyway.
"So…" Tommy looked toward Wanda. "This feels anticlimactic?"
"It's complex magic," Wanda said. "There are many elements in play."
"I was kinda hoping to kick some ass. I've got my kicker working again and everything."
"You'll get your chance, I'm sure," Strange said, frowning. "There was some distinct interference."
"Yeah, I felt it too," Billy said. "But I finished the spell. I know I did."
"Chest hurts," James admitted when Wanda and Strange looked his way, though Wanda was the one to get to him first and try to make sure he was okay.
"Okay, well… should we put out a magical APB for hellish problems?" Clint asked after a long moment while the magic users were clearly trying to figure out what happened.
"We can at least let people know there's a different kind of trouble than we expected," Steve said, frowning and watching James with the magic users.
"And," James said when Strange didn't seem to speak up more, "I can still … my parents are still around."
"But not the other side," Nate put in, since Billy looked pale.
"So Hell got what it wanted, but Heaven is still holding on for some reason," Tommy guessed, then rubbed the back of his neck when everyone looked his way. "Makes sense, right?"
"We'll have to do some checking to be sure, but that actually sounds like a possibility," Strange said before he waved a hand that drew a chair over and forced James to take a seat as it knocked his feet out from under him. "I'm sure we both can come up with a few things to check before you head off again."
"Not gonna lie; I was hoping we could just fight whatever came through and be done with it," Kate said, barely looking up from her phone. "I'm texting Leslie Ann right now and we're trying to decide if Hell is going to crash the wedding we're throwing together."
"Yes, Kate, that's the priority," Tommy said dryly.
"Hey, no one here seems to know what's happening, so my question is: do we get to go on with our lives and just wait to see what happens or can we track this thing down?"
"That's precisely what we're going to try and find out," Strange said. "But I think most of you can leave for the time being. "
"Maybe we'll stick around just in case," Steve said. "Some of us, anyway."
"If you insist," Strange said. "But you'll be more comfortable in another room while Wanda and I work."
As the gathered heroes shuffled out, sharing looks as they processed the complete lack of an expected fight, Nate bumped shoulders with Kate. "Dad's gonna break a tooth at this rate."
"Thus the wedding planning. I'm doing life-saving work here, gorgeous."
Nate shook his head at that and pulled her over to kiss the top of her head as they slipped out, leaving Wanda, Strange, and Billy to unravel the latest wrinkle in this long saga.
While they didn't know what had just happened - or why they didn't have something Hellish to deal with in that moment - Wanda and Strange dove in with their spells to make sure that Billy's spell had done at least the bare minimum of what they were hoping for. Wanda had to smile to herself when James swore openly at the magic in play that she did to ensure that his soul was anchored once again with him. She'd done that spell a few times before on him, but he'd never been conscious to see it, and when she cleared him, the next thing she did was to pull him into a tight hug.
Even before Strange stepped forward to make sure that whatever had come from Hell hadn't attached itself inside of James.
Between the two of them, James was left off balance at the wild swing between their concerns and the massively different spell work. Naturally, as soon as those two things were established, James reached for Billy's hand once again to wait and see what the three of them would decide.
He was getting tired of feeling so drained at every turn. At this point, he really just wanted to try and genuinely sleep since that had been such a dangerous activity for him as of late. And he really needed the rest. Especially when they finally found what it was that had escaped from Hell. That much Strange was right over - something had escaped, but even those that were still watching out for them from Heaven didn't know what it was. Just that it was powerful enough to twist the spells that were in place - and that whatever magic it had used would have killed James had he not been a healer of that caliber.
So, as soon as Strange and Wanda had gotten at least that far and had put a few protective wards on the boys for good measure, James and Billy finally got the green light to leave.
"I don't care who wants to check in or whatever," James said as they left Wanda and Strange again colluding behind them. "I just want to curl up and crash."
"Honestly, me too," Billy whispered, squeezing his hand. "I don't know how much more I have in me."
"Then let's get out of here."
Billy nodded, though he had to glance up at Wanda. "Mom… can you wish us home? I'm tapped," he admitted.
Wanda's expression softened from worry into warmth. "Of course," she said, and moments later, they were in their apartment.
And moments after that, they were curled up and absolutely, dead to the world, asleep.
No one was quite sure how to react to the way Billy's spell had resolved. On the one hand, once it was clear that the spell had finished and that James was firmly in this life, that was cause for celebration. But on the other hand, they had a huge unknown hanging over their heads.
They were just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
So, of course, half of the people in James' orbit were just waiting for him to wake up so they could have a wedding before anything else happened.
Leslie Ann was a flower girl in every sense of the word and was out on the grounds at the school putting her all into growing an arch and growing a line of flowers for her aunt and Scott to walk down. She still wasn't old enough to join any of the teams, but it was impressive how far she'd come with her powers. Anyone looking could see the care and control she'd put into it.
"This is amazing," Storm said, smiling as she came to stand by Leslie Ann, reaching out to touch one of the roses she'd grown.
Leslie Ann startled and then softened, smiling. "Thanks. I've been working hard."
"It's nice to see something so beautiful - and to have something wonderful to celebrate."
"No kidding. It's been kind of nonstop lately, huh?"
"You said it."
Leslie Ann let her shoulders drop as she stood back to admire her work alongside Ororo. "I got turned down for the team again. The Avengers officially raised the age to eighteen, and even then, they won't let you in that young unless you can prove you're ready."
Ororo could see the disappointment dripping all over Leslie Ann, so she didn't tell her that she had been part of the deliberations for that decision, especially since her own daughter had been the youngest of the new X-Men when they debuted. Instead, she let out a careful breath. "And in the meantime, there's a lot you can learn here."
"Yeah, so people keep telling me."
Ororo raised an eyebrow. "You were just saying yourself that so much has happened in such a short amount of time."
"So why do I want to join anyway?" Leslie Ann shrugged tiredly. "Because otherwise, they're the only ones with targets on them."
Ororo turned her way fully, her mouth pressed into a thin line. "You remind me so much of them," she said softly.
"Who?"
"My first team. The ones we lost." Her smile softened her expression. "You would have loved talking to Kurt."
"Mia's father?"
Ororo smiled wider. "He would have loved your outlook - and your heart."
"So I can join the team?"
Ororo couldn't help but chuckle. "Ah, no."
"Can't blame me for trying?" Leslie Ann offered, shrugging one shoulder up to her ear, and Ororo couldn't help but chuckle.
James could probably have slept for a longer time than he had been asleep, but Kate didn't want to wait, and neither did Annie. But since Annie was feeling nauseous that morning, Kate went to get James herself - by loudly knocking on the apartment door.
"Hey, boys! Annie wants to get married before Hell comes knocking! Up and at 'em!"
"Is there a reason that this isn't a phone call?" James called out, though he took his time getting to the door. "You have a spare key, Kate. What the hell."
"I have been assigned to fetch you, and I take my duties seriously," Kate said, her voice chipper. "The Hales are putting everything together; I'm in charge of the guest list on the superhero side."
"Again - a phone call would have worked," James said as he opened the door and let her in. It was incredibly obvious that he'd just woken up by how he was almost dressed and his hair was just a mess.
"Considering how things have been going lately, I kinda brought my holy water arrows just in case," she told him frankly as she came in.
"You're hoping for that to come to a head fast."
"I don't like having that hanging over our heads," Kate said. "And your dad has the worst luck and I'm half convinced a demon is going to crash his wedding. I know he spent his first honeymoon in the worst lab rat stupidity with Sinister."
"Why do you know what my dad did on his honeymoon?" James asked.
"I was raised by the Black Widow and she informed me I would not be repeating that performance marrying Nate."
"Did you investigate everyone's honeymoons?" James asked, making his way to the kitchen to start a pot of coffee.
"Only the ones that involved villains."
"Why do I not believe you all of a sudden?"
"Because I was raised by the Black Widow." She grinned at him and went to his closet to pick something out.
"I can dress myself," James called out to her. "You can go back to the school."
"You're the first on my list. My next step is rounding up some Avengers," she said.
"So go get Avengers," James said, sounding a little growly.
"I will." Kate flounced over to him, tossed a shirt to him, and then followed it up by kissing his cheek.
"I'm not wearing that," he told her.
"Okay, but whatever you're wearing, make sure the tie is a shade of blue."
"I got the memo already, quit hovering."
"I know, I know. But this is my assignment, okay? Making sure everyone actually gets there."
"We have plenty of time," James said, shaking his head. "What else are you up to - since I don't believe you'd go to the one couple that can be wished there with a costume change in a heartbeat without an agenda other than trying to usurp flower girl."
Kate gave him a small smile and then dropped to sit down beside him. "Honestly? Just checking on you. I'm worried about my big brother? A lot?" She bit her lip.
James gave her a dry look. "Pretty sure if I'd died in my sleep again, you would have heard from Billy."
"I know. I just…" She shrugged both shoulders up. "I'm still in the throes of post partum anxiety and then I almost lost you and then I almost lost Nate and there's still Hell and David's not even a year old and I literally went through a whole thing where I had to start considering my life as a single parent-"
James shifted to put an arm around her shoulders then pulled her over into a solid snuggle. "You really took on that last name hardcore."
She let out a tired chuckle and clutched onto him. "I know. At least I have the excuse of a literal medical reason for the anxiety?"
"Ah, pretty sure the rest of the list counts, too," James said, tipping his head to snuggle in a little better.
"Yeah. I just feel stupid being upset because I wasn't in the line of fire for, like, most of it. Nate was."
"Nate's like that. I thought you knew?"
"Oh, totally. I knew we were both hopeless damsels meant for each other."
"So what can I do to help you relax a little? I'm kinda rested up - probably up to a fight if we need it."
"Good, because I didn't get to hit Apocalypse. Or Sinister. Or the department. I wanna hit the hellspawn. I really, really do."
"You got to hit the department some," James argued.
"Some. I mostly jet-sat after I got shot."
"I didn't get to hit them at all," he pointed out. "By comparison, you were totally hogging it."
"I did rescue your dad, and I'm proud of that," she said, smirking.
"Good. He needed a Hawkeye rescue." He gave her a little squeeze. "So … are you going to stay for a cup of coffee or do you actually need to run off and get yourself more anxious?"
"I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee," she said. "I'm just really glad you're still around, okay?" She gave him a shaky smile. "I knew you'd pull through but, like, it's been one of those mornings where I'm overly emotional and I'm really glad you're still around."
"Nate told you I've still got the extended family hanging around, didn't he?" James asked after a few moments. "Because he missed the part where apparently Wanda like … checked to make sure my soul was attached right or something? Totally had Peter Pan and his shadow imagery popping up in my head."
"Okay, I love that," she said. "The Peter Pan thing. Not the questionable soul stuff."
"I'm not going to wear green tights," James warned.
"Too bad. I'll wear 'em if I gotta, but I'd rock a Tinkerbell dress."
"You totally would," he agreed as Billy came out to join them looking bed-headed and not yet awake at all.
"Hi, Billy," Kate sang out, and Billy shook his head at her.
"Hi, Kate. I already have Jan's sketches to wish everyone's outfits up," he said, scooting onto the bed and playfully pushing her to get her to move.
"Told you," James said to Kate before he kissed the side of her head and got up to get some coffee that had to have finished brewing by then.
"I needed a hug and reassurance that my big brother's okay, okay? Sue me."
"So just tell me that's what you want, silly little Hawk," James called out over his shoulder.
"There's also a wedding today that I got to announce to you," she sang out and then pulled Billy into a hug as she got to her feet.
"Everything's okay," Billy told her. "No demonic issues, no allergies to breathing …"
"That's really, really good." Kate kept him in a tight hug for a while. "Sorry. I'm having a bad morning, but Annie gave me a task to keep me busy? It's a whole thing. How are you? You got your guy back, yay!"
"I love that you're fully Summers-y enough to need a task to keep your anxiety at bay," Billy teased quietly. "And I'm great. Slept really well."
"I wasn't this bad until I had a Summers baby, I swear," she laughed.
"Your DNA's been permanently altered. By proximity and overexposure."
"I spent the month you were sleeping trying to mentally prepare for single motherhood, so…" Kate shrugged. "Anyway. When's your wedding?"
"Not planned yet, so I'm not sure. There are a few considerations, still."
"Your mom's so ready to get you two married, you know. You can see all over her face she's looking forward to the next one and this one's not even over yet."
"I know," Billy agreed. "But I don't know if he's willing to break the rules."
"He's not. He's a Summers," she teased. She leaned into Billy's shoulder. "How are you after all that, anyway? I know Nate's still a total mess from Apocalypse and the department back to back and then this."
"It's been rough, and it feels like it's just been a few weeks, not … anywhere near as long as it's been."
"Yeah, Rachel's been dealing with that too. The last thing she really remembered, she was barely starting to deal with the Phoenix coming to play with Apocalypse, and then she woke up and her brother was dead. It's so screwed up."
"Not great to deal with the Phoenix," Billy said as they headed toward the kitchen for their coffee, too.
"Yeah, America's full-time job at this point is 'do not let the Phoenix overtake my girlfriend'."
"Like she hates that detail," Billy laughed.
"Oh it's an ordeal," Kate teased. "We should so have a Summers Support Group meeting again."
"At the Summers wedding or after?" Billy asked.
"Yes? We should at least all have a drink together."
"During," James said as they reached the kitchen, where he was already pouring both of them coffee. "She means before, during, and after."
"Always." Kate kissed his cheek.
"Did you drive here or are you being wished up to the tower to scare Avengers?" James asked before he took a drink.
"I drove. Nate's got David. I was getting spun up and the meds didn't kick in until halfway through the drive," Kate admitted. "Ugh. Craig's gonna try to pull me aside in the middle of his sister's wedding."
"Wanna hit something?" James asked, holding out his arms to offer her a free shot.
"Not you, you dork."
"Might help."
"Might break my hand," she shot back.
"So don't hit the bony spots."
She rolled her eyes and pulled her coffee close to her. "I'm fine. I'm a mess, but I'm fine. Your brother's more of a mess than I am."
"Normal."
"Always." She got to her feet. "Okay, I'll leave you boys to it. I really just wanted to make sure you were up and at 'em so we could get rolling… and get a hug, obviously. I'm off to go talk to Cap about the speech he wants to give because your dad has hero worshiped the guy forever and I am on a mission to make him cry."
"Shouldn't take much," James said thickly.
"Yeah, but he deserves it. And so do you, once you finish that stupid checklist."
"He deserves to cry? Mean."
"Happy tears, you dork."
"Okay, sure," he said with a shrug. "And we're not even official yet, so quit pushing."
"She's not wrong," Billy said with a soft smile. "We were headed that way before you died; no reason not to get back on that track."
James was halfway into a drink, so it took him a few seconds to respond. "I thought I was on probation."
"I've got about a year to tell you if I'm in my head too much, but, like, we can still work toward a goal, right?" Billy asked, blushing brilliantly.
"That was the plan," James agreed slowly. "But we can't even get engaged until you're old enough."
"We can't get officially engaged," Billy said, even redder.
"We can't start the whole rigamarole until you're old enough," James said before he kissed his cheek.
"Yeah, yeah. I can still doodle your name in hearts, though, right? That's still allowed?" he teased.
James shrugged. "You'd have to check the Genoshan laws on frivolity and positivity."
"I love you. We're not on Genosha. Heart doodles? Happening."
"Alright … just don't let anyone official know you're going native."
"God forbid he get caught on camera with an 'I heart NYC' baseball cap on," Kate teased.
"It's happening," James said low.
"Perfect." Kate blew both boys a kiss and flounced off, leaving them shaking their heads at each other and going back to their slow morning routine.
"We'll have to get Morticia back from Tony," James said once she was gone.
"Aww, but Grandpa Tony turned her into his therapy cat," Billy teased.
"This is true," James agreed. "I guess she could stay at the tower. If she likes it there."
"Just until Grandpa Tony is feeling better."
"That bastard stole my cat," James said with mock horror. "We'll never get her back now."
"He did. He did. He's gone evil," Billy agreed, laughing.
"Are you ready for this … thing?" James asked after they had a few moments of peace.
"Hey, we deserve a big party. We deserve something good in the family, right?"
"I don't know how to argue or back that up, honestly. My perspective is a little whacked."
"Right, yeah, you've got your dad's ex attending his new wedding? Weird."
"That part isn't even that weird. She's already married, so it's really not an issue at all. But we've more or less won all the big stuff lately, right? Sure there were a few hits, but considering everything? And the fact that Dad's about to have a new kid, too? I think we've got the good stuff already, right?"
"That's actually a really cool perspective and, you know, makes me jealous you had the months to get there," Billy said, pulling a face. "From where I'm at, I'm still having Apocalypse nightmares, and I am grabbing this wedding with both hands, you know?"
"If it helps at all, the perspective came on in quick little rushes when I wasn't expecting it and I was pretty sure I was just going to be a short-termer until your Mom turned me into a night light?"
"Remind me to thank Mom." Billy laid his head on James' shoulder.
"You'll remember when you see her," James said, turning to kiss the top of his head.
"I'm sure." Billy snuggled in. "I was serious, by the way. I know I'm still… well, let's be real. Everyone's shaky. Even Kate's shaky. But I still want to have a wedding on the horizon. If we can make it a year, after all this? We can make it through anything."
"I thought we already agreed to that," James said with a little smile.
"Yeah, just… reiterating because you always look so surprised when I tell you I'm still in."
"Okay."
Billy snuggled in wordlessly for a good long time until they were through breakfast and he felt like moving again.
"You got the time for the wedding, right? We could totally set an alarm and just … cheat on getting there and whatever…"
"Tempting, tempting," Billy said. "Let's for sure set the alarm… and if your siblings freak out too much we can get there earlier, huh? Or if mine starts looking. He's hovering more than usual since he's getting his arm in two days."
"Maybe you should beat him to the punch and text him first," James teased. "Don't make him go looking for you."
"I'll just tell him Mia sent me a text this morning excited for the final product and he'll be in his head for a good while."
"Did she?"
"Yeah, you wanna see? She's got pictures with her and her dad. She's super proud."
"No, I believe you," James said.
"He's not gonna ask her out until they're both out of their heads, but, god, he needs to."
James shook his head seriously. "She'll ask first, then."
"Foot massage says he'll ask first because he has to beat everyone to the punch."
"So does she," James said. "But if he's anxious and trying to wait her out …"
"Yeah, you're right. But she's also still reeling from Noh…"
"I already told him she's interested," James admitted - mostly because he didn't know what all Billy knew of the chat James had with Tommy.
"He's pretty in his head."
"I noticed. So I told him when she started rethinking him."
"I don't think he told me that."
James met Billy's gaze. "College move in day." He leaned toward him. "While she was still with Noh."
Billy let out a low whistle. "No wonder he's been so quiet lately."
"I broke your brother."
"Mia did, but that's fair play." Billy looked up and then stole a kiss. "So… wanna waste some time before the wedding?"
"Figured we'd both better wash up after drifting in space for forever."
"Want some help?"
"No pressure."
"I haven't noticed a water pressure problem," Billy quipped without missing a beat.
James leaned in to steal a kiss. "And you know what I meant, little prince."
"Yeah, but - want some help?" Billy asked, a little glimmer back in his eyes.
"I … will leave that up to you," he said.
"Help it is," Billy said brightly and wished them straight to the shower.
For having been put together on not much notice, the wedding was genuinely stunning. Leslie Ann and Ororo had arranged everything so that they had a flower-lined aisle with white chairs on either side and a gorgeous arch waiting at the end. The weather was perfect, too.
There were less obvious preparations, too, but ones that Scott noticed even now that he didn't have his optical implants. Tony had set up drones and a telepathic shield, and Natasha had everything under surveillance.
And that wasn't even touching the magical safeguards in place in case Hell tried to crash the party.
And while Annie was aware of all of that, she was doing her best to ignore it so she could admire herself in the mirror. She could hear people arriving, but underneath a white tent, she was putting the finishing touches on her hair while Leslie Ann perked up her bouquet and braided flowers in her hair.
"Janet is a genius. You can barely even tell you're pregnant, and you're due in three months," Evie was saying as she helped her sister adjust her veil properly.
"She's been tweaking this design practically since we started dating, apparently," Annie said, blushing.
"Craig's gonna cry when he gets here to walk you down the aisle," Evie teased her.
"Good."
Evie laughed and brushed her sister's hair back so it lay just right. "I'm really happy for you, Annie. You deserve an amazing family like this." She paused and then couldn't help but tease: "And now my little sister is a superhero. How cool is that?"
"I'm not really."
"Not yet."
"Not yet," Annie agreed, smiling at her reflection. "But the team is family…"
"So I'm right."
"Yeah, yeah." Annie admired her reflection one more time and then nodded to herself. "Y'all did an amazing job pulling this together."
"No kidding," Craig said, announcing his entrance - and, as Evie had predicted, he did look teary when he saw his sister.
Annie beamed and rushed over to him to throw her arms around him. "You're already crying?"
"Shut up," he said, laughing as he caught her and pulled her into a warm hug. "Just wishing Dad was here for this; that's all."
Annie caught her breath and then buried herself in the hug. "Yeah, me too," she said, staying there for a good while as they waited for everyone else to be ready for their entrance.
In the other tent, Scott's kids were similarly getting ready - and since two of the three were telepaths, they were well-aware that their dad was half-convinced something was going to go wrong. When he and Jean got married, Sinister had immediately decided he needed to get involved, and while Sinister was dead, that didn't take away the irrational fear of history repeating itself.
And, of course, when they weren't listening out for their dad to make sure he wasn't going to give himself a heart attack on his own wedding day, Nate was practically gloating mentally, taking full credit for getting them together.
Are you going to be this bad when you give a speech? Rachel asked, telekinetically shoving him back a step.
Nate grinned back but didn't respond, which just had her rolling her eyes.
Unlike the Hales' tent, there was a lot less talking, but they were all quietly making sure everything fell into place - until Scott heard Betsy reach out to let him know everyone was ready. And the second he went for the door, Rachel led the charge to hug him.
Scott grinned, especially because it had been so long since he'd had a good reason to grab all three of his kids in a bear hug like that. "Okay, okay, you're going to make me late for my own wedding," he said when the hug had lasted for a while, but that just had the kids sharing grins, because they hadn't heard him laugh in a long while.
As soon as Scott stepped out of the tent, he couldn't stop his smile, either. He knew everyone had thrown this together for them, but it was still something else to see the gorgeous flowers, the gathered friends, the perfect weather, the smirk Wanda was wearing - all of it.
He wasn't at all surprised to see that Craig was deeply emotional; Annie had warned him that would be the case. But he only had a split second to think about that before Annie bounced on her toes on the way down the aisle, and he couldn't think about anything but how adorable she was.
Even though a lot of this had come together fast, everyone had been preparing for it for a while, and that much was obvious as Wanda launched into a gorgeous speech about how nice it was to celebrate a new union and a new beginning - and Scott and Annie almost tuned it out, occasionally flirting telepathically.
And for everyone who had been there when Scott and Jean got married, it was almost hilariously familiar, including the part where Ororo sent a slight gust toward both of them to break them out of it so they could actually hear when they were supposed to give their vows. That entire year they'd spent together largely alone and practicing telepathy had them in bad habits already.
"Scott, thank you for letting me into this world," Annie said, her blush visible to every one of the guests. "Thank you for letting me into your family. All of them." She gestured toward the whole group of heroes who had come. "I know I'm marrying into a family, not just you, so let me give them vows first." She glanced toward the three Summers kids and smiled lightly. "I promise I'll take care of him. And I promise that you will never feel anything less than every bit of my heart, even if you're all grown." Her voice shook, and she cleared her throat before she looked back at Scott. "And I promise to make you work to keep up with me. This family is astonishing, and I'm so excited to be part of it."
Scott couldn't stop his smile when she was finished and reached out to give her hand a squeeze. "When we met," he said softly, "I'd given up on the idea of this. Of looking for anything for myself, of being more than a support for my kids until they could live on their own. And, god, Annie Hale, thank you for reminding me what happiness is. I promise to spend every day of our lives together repaying that debt. You deserve joy, Annie."
Wanda was grinning as she had them slip their rings onto each other's fingers - and then laughed outright when they were accidentally slow on the uptake when she declared that they could kiss. They were already lost in flirting again.
They'd barely walked back down the aisle before Wanda smiled, gave the gathered crowd a warning look, and then snapped her fingers, instantly removing the chairs and clearing space for dancing. Not that anyone was complaining. The past months had been exhausting; it was clear to anyone watching that a lot of the heroes needed the excuse to let loose.
Immediately, Billy grabbed James' hand and pulled him out onto the dance floor with a whispered, "If we don't start moving, Mom's going to find us and start making pointed comments."
"She'll do that anyway," James said. "But if you think this would slow her down …"
"A boy can dream, right?" Billy said as they started dancing. "But hey, it's also an excuse to dance."
"And you like your excuses."
"I'm built that way." Billy grinned as other couples started to follow suit. "I meant to ask how you're doing? I mean, it's got to be whiplash going from being half-dead to watching your dad get married."
"It is," James agreed. "But he should have done it in Genosha. If you want my thoughts. He's been ready forever."
"No kidding. Kinda feels like a pattern around here. The being ready and just not seizing the moment until someone's pregnant," Billy had to joke - because he knew Kate was close by and she'd stick her tongue out at him.
They passed by Rachel and America, who were laughing and spinning. "You've gotta make sure America gets the bouquet," he said quietly.
"Last I talked to her, she wasn't interested in marriage," Billy pointed out. "Not like she's gonna leave Rachel, just… not interested."
"All the more reason to smack her in the face with it."
"We'll see. I was kinda thinking I'd see if I could get Lexi with it to see what her mom does if Sam has any reaction other than hiding," Billy said, trouble glinting in his gaze.
"That's fair, too."
"I guess we both missed it because I was unconscious and you were dead, but apparently, he's basically as far gone as Nate is over Kate ever since she went all Widow in the fight with the department. You know, when they attacked everyone."
"They have a type."
"Which ones? The Barton girls or the dorks courting them?"
"Yes. That."
Billy laughed and then stole a quick kiss. "I'm telling you right now that I'm wishing the garter into my hands, fair warning. We're next."
"Whatever makes you happy," James replied easily.
"That's right." Billy grinned and looked toward his brother, who was dancing with Wanda. "Tommy's getting his arm in, like, twenty-four hours."
"He's excited," James agreed. "Though I still don't understand the call not to fix it."
Billy let out a long, tired breath. "We've talked," he said. He looked toward Tommy again. "I can't… I can't take back the fact that I didn't immediately fix it for him. Or that I was so focused on you and on my own problems that I saved all my magic up for pulling you back. It worked, so I'm not sorry, but…"
"If you tell me your mom did the same thing-"
"No, she was ready to fix it, but Tommy kept telling her 'no' when he was fresh off the trauma of it, you know?" Billy sighed again. "And then Forge was working with him on designs, and I dunno. He's pretty excited about it now."
"Okay. But I hope Craig is being pesty to him."
"He is. Mom literally wished him into Craig's office last night, so I think he's got the memo that, you know, we know he's not coping well." Billy's smile got tight. "I know he's … I'm worried about him."
"He's working on it," James said seriously. "But I'll keep an eye out, too."
"Thanks. I really don't want him to backslide now that things are finally looking up. I mean, it was a big, bright red flag when he told Mom not to waste her magic on him with the arm thing, and I'm feeling like I'm seeing a lot of flags in hindsight? Okay, I'm talking a lot."
"How do you want to change that?"
"I… I don't know. I'm gonna be prioritizing him more. We're both in school; I guess maybe hanging out between projects or… I don't even know. If I knew how to fix it, I would."
"What does Kate say?"
"She says he just needs the reminder that, you know, he's not an afterthought. And I know I was a mess, but it actually really was good to spend so much time with him in space. It's been too long since we did that."
"You've been neglecting your twin. For shame."
"I know, right? I'll try to make it up to him."
They danced for a while longer before Wanda appeared in a swirl of red and stole James. "Mine now," she declared, which had Billy laughing and mouthing "told you so."
"Hi," James said, just as a little tease of how expected it was.
"Hi. I can get rid of my father's laws," she said, not even pretending to beat around the bush.
"I know you can, but you shouldn't. It's not the worst thing he ever came up with. And besides, we're not there yet."
"Mmmm." She didn't look the least bit convinced.
"Did you somehow miss all the drama before we were in space?"
"I can at least change the law so you can declare your engagement," she said, smiling impishly.
"And I still don't think he's ready for that. The last thing I'm going to do is pressure him."
"I'll do that," Wanda teased.
"Please don't."
"Oh, fine." Wanda kissed his cheek. "But you should know, in my eyes, you're already my son-in-law."
"Love you too," James said. "Sorry to be the perpetual problem."
"Believe me: I am so, so used to having that title. You're welcome to borrow it, of course."
"No way are you a problem," James teased. "I mean - look at how Vision watches you."
Wanda beamed delightedly. "We're both so lucky to be so loved, aren't we?"
"Very."
She smiled again as the song came to an end and they slowed their dancing. "Really, though. Think about it. I have no qualms about changing the law."
"I know you don't. But it's a matter that's over both of our heads. Like it or not."
"Absolutely not," Wanda said.
"You don't need to deal with angry people in the streets if you change a law to accommodate a criminal." He gave her a raised eyebrow look. "Tell me I'm wrong."
"James…" She sighed and then kissed his cheek again. "I won't argue, because this is too happy an occasion. I'll just leave you with my offer."
James kissed her cheek right back. "I'm not against you changing the law, but … only change it for Tommy if you have to change it."
"If I do, and you're still unmarried, it will apply to both of you. It's only fair."
"I know. But I think that's the kind of gesture Tommy needs. As mad as he'd be to hear it, it wouldn't kill Billy to have to follow a rule or two."
"You're not wrong," Wanda said, looking thoughtful before she nodded to herself and disappeared to steal Tommy to dance with him.
By that time, Scott and Annie had managed to get through the long line of well-wishers so they could hit the dance floor. Annie was obviously having a blast; she hadn't had the chance to spend this much time with the X-Men and Avengers when there wasn't some crisis going on, and she was in her element. She was a flawless hostess, a beaming bride - and her accent was getting deeper and deeper with every "thank you for comin'."
Some of those who hadn't been in the initial mob to wish them well saw their opportunity on the dance floor, though, not least of which being Jan, who slipped right in between them effortlessly and spun Annie toward Tony with a laugh.
Scott shook his head at her as they started a new dance. "He's only been on his feet for a day and he's already flirting with my new wife," he teased.
"That's how you know he's feeling better," Jan said airily.
"Sounds right for him," Scott said dryly, leading her slightly farther away before he dropped his voice. "Seriously, thank you. For all of this. I know how much work you put into it."
Jan let her shoulders drop and, smiling, leaned in to kiss his cheek. "I'm pretty sure we mutually agreed that we wouldn't stop caring for and looking out for each other. That's the way I remember things, anyway."
"That's about what I remember too," Scott said, smiling softly.
Jan beamed at him, and the two of them danced for a while longer before she spoke up again. "I really am glad you're happy. I was worried you were never going to try."
"I wasn't going to," he admitted. "I think Nate's going to take full credit in his speech."
"As he should."
Scott laughed and led them in their dance back to Tony and Annie, who were laughing and clearly enjoying themselves. "Trade you," he called to Tony, who pretended for a second to have to think about it before Annie rolled her eyes and spun away, letting Scott catch her so she could whisper, "Let's make everyone sit down and eat. My feet are killing me."
No sooner had she made the request than Nate was at the microphone directing people - the advantages of telepathic kids.
As everyone had expected, Nate spent his speech claiming he was the whole reason this worked out - but he ended by saying he hoped they were as happy as he knew they could be, and he was sincere enough to get Annie choked up. She cried immediately when her siblings spoke, of course, so she was a mess when Rachel welcomed her into the family and started crying all over again, dabbing her face with her napkin by the time James spoke and told his dad he'd better keep up with her, since he was marrying out of his league.
Embarrassed, Annie was glad to move on to the bouquet and garter toss, though she didn't seem to notice that Billy was blatantly manipulating the tosses so he got the garter and Lexi got the bouquet. She didn't, however, miss that Sam looked like he was going to faint when Natasha glared at him as soon as Lexi flounced over with the flowers.
By that time, Annie's ankles were starting to bug her, though, so despite how badly she wanted to stick around and talk to everyone, she gave Mia a nod, and with a flourish, they were teleported out, leaving the rest of the group to celebrate and let loose.
